September 2024 - Micro Nano Technology Education Center

Director’s Message—Building the Future Together: A National Workforce Development Coalition

The CHIPS and Science Act. Perhaps you’ve heard me mention just a bit about it?

As demand for highly skilled workers in semiconductors, nanotechnology, and microelectronics continues to rise, community colleges are stepping up to lead the way in building tomorrow’s technician workforce. These institutions, which offer both accessible and high-quality education, are perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between education and industry.

Partnering with industry leaders from the SEMI Foundation, Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), National Institute of Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA), and many more, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) is helping to drive this transformation. By bringing together community colleges, industry leaders, government agencies, and other educational institutions, MNT-EC facilitates a partnership approach that creates a sustainable talent pipeline for the next generation of professionals entering these fast-growing fields.

A Vision for Workforce Development

Our roadmap focuses on inclusivity, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. It’s designed to ensure community colleges can effectively connect with key sectors and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in advanced manufacturing and technology roles. This initiative aligns with national priorities, such as the CHIPS Act and the Department of Defense Microelectronic (ME) Commons. It supports the push to revitalize America’s leadership in these critical industries.

At its core, this effort believes in the power of community colleges to drive workforce development. These institutions can and do provide hands-on training, facilitate apprenticeships, and often ally with industry-driven programs that prepare students for immediate job opportunities—all while maintaining accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

As Joseph Politano, author of the Apricitas Economics newsletter, points out, the CHIPS Act has catalyzed unprecedented investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. However, the long-term success of this initiative hinges on building a robust talent pipeline. Sadly, he highlights the catch-up race we are in after the 2001 recession, which battered chip manufacturers. We are building this roadmap to be aligned with these national priorities, ensuring community colleges play a pivotal role in meeting the demand for skilled workers in semiconductor production and related advanced technologies.

You can read Politano’s full post “America & China’s Chip Race” that my team and I read and discussed while I worked on this Director’s Message. Note: Readers will see a link or pop-up to sign up for his free and paid versions, but you can simply choose to read the post without subscribing as a guest of his Substack newsletter. You simply click the “No thanks” link and it takes you into the full article. He has some terrific charts in the full post, by the way.

Crucial Elements of the National Workforce Development Roadmap

Strategic Vision: This roadmap is a national initiative that connects regions, community colleges, industry, and government. It doesn’t center on MNT-EC but emphasizes collaboration across all stakeholders to address workforce shortages. The goal is to create a talent pipeline that meets industry demands and provides students with meaningful career paths.

Partnerships That Matter: Community colleges, working closely with industry partners, are central to this roadmap. The collaboration between educators and employers ensures that students develop the skills necessary for today’s jobs. Industry feedback helps shape the curriculum so that the workforce is prepared for current and future needs in semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics. At the end of this post, I list several essential organizations actively working to build out this national network of partners.

Work-Based Learning and Upskilling: This roadmap’s cornerstone is its focus on work-based learning—internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences, such as MNT-EC’s Advanced Technology Technician Training (AT³) program. By partnering with industry leaders, community colleges allow students to gain real-world experience, preparing them for the workforce right out of school. Additionally, the roadmap emphasizes ongoing learning and upskilling for workers already in the field, ensuring they have access to continuing education and certification programs.

The following chart visualizes the key elements of our National Workforce Development Roadmap, taking the crucial elements from above, and highlighting the collaborative roles of community colleges, industry partners, and government support, all of which contribute to the overarching strategic vision of work-based learning. To be fair, the image/chart is completely a work-in-progress. Feel free to reach out if you have additional ideas to help make this roadmap strike a chord in everyone who sees it.

*Draft of a chart to capture the MNT-EC National Roadmap for Workforce Development*

Pivotal Role of Community Colleges

Community colleges are essential for the success of this initiative, but they are still only one piece of this intricate and important plan. We need everyone on board. Many schools have regional partnerships in place, interacting with or connected directly to industry, allowing them to fill the high-demand job opportunities for students and offer a steady supply of skilled workers to the market. The roadmap acknowledges that all partners contribute to this success, ensuring no single entity takes undue credit.

Again, this is not to say that we are the center of the universe as community colleges, but simply to acknowledge that there are 1,000+ community colleges around the nation that could serve as part of the solution for adding more technicians and advanced technology training.

Shalin Jyotishi, Founder & Managing Director of the Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative at New America, also recognizes the importance of community colleges in workforce development. He highlights NSF initiatives like EPIIC and ExLENT, which empower these institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in emerging technologies such as quantum science and biomanufacturing. You can read more about him and his work here. His Forbes post: NSF Budget Cuts Hamstring CHIPS Act And Community Colleges is definitely worth a read (some of you may find a paywall, depending on your access to Forbes, but we’ve found there is access for a 3-4 articles available at no cost each month).

Industry and Government Support: Key to Success

Looking forward, it’s clear that industry and government involvement will be necessary. Federal funding and private sector investments are critical to expanding workforce development programs. Whether it’s upgrading manufacturing labs or making online learning more accessible, these investments ensure that community colleges can keep up with the demands of the modern job market.

Conclusion: A Call to Work Together

Now is the time for collaboration. The MNT-EC is proud to serve as a facilitator, helping connect community colleges with industry, government, and educational leaders. Together, we can create a future where students are prepared to meet the challenges of a changing workforce and where employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow.

We invite all stakeholders—educators, industry leaders, and policymakers—to join us in this effort. By working together, we can ensure that community colleges continue to lead in workforce development and prepare the next generation of professionals for success.

Maximize Your 2024 ATE PI Conference Experience

ATE PI Conference 2024 Project Center Map including Hawaii and American Samoa. — *NSF ATE Centers and Projects (listed on ATE Central). Map not captured to scale, clearly, but adjusted to visually capture the teams in Hawaii and American Samoa!*

As many within MNT-EC prepare for the 31st National ATE PI (Principal Investigators) Conference (October 23-25, 2024 in Washington, D.C.), here is some guidance to help you make the most of this invaluable event. With plenty of incredible sessions, speakers, and networking opportunities, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

First, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you register this week — Registration deadline is September 26, 2024.

Second, ATE PI hosts its Conference Orientation Webinar on October 10th to officially help you get oriented and prepared. Also, check out this ATE Central post, for a solid overview: 2024 ATE PI Conference: ATE for the Future (that cool map of projects and centers is linked from their post).

Community-Based Blog Post

As you attend various sessions, participate in workshops, and network, write down (or record a voice memo into your smartphone) some of your insights and ideas to share with us. We’re planning a community-based blog post after the conference, and your contributions will help build a shared pool of knowledge that benefits everyone in our ATE community. Save your key takeaways and get them to us during or after the event. You can catch Billie Copley at the event and share your thoughts with her, or email directly to: TJ at MicroNanoEducation dot Org. We plan to publish this post about two weeks after the ATE PI Conference.

Here are a few key areas we are interested to hear about:

1. Innovative Approaches: Look for sessions where speakers share new teaching techniques, creative uses of technology, or innovative approaches to workforce training. These insights could spark fresh ideas for your own programs.

2. Real-world Applications: Listen for stories that connect ATE projects to real-world impact—whether it’s helping local industries thrive or boosting student success. For sure, these are stories and case study types of ideas we want to hear about, from you and colleagues.

3. Collaborative Success Stories: Many ATE initiatives succeed because of partnerships between educational institutions and industry. Look for examples of how collaboration has led to meaningful outcomes, and consider how your (and our) partnerships can benefit from similar strategies.

4. Emerging Trends: What new technologies or skills are gaining momentum in your field? Be sure to take note of any emerging trends that could shape the future of workforce development in your industry.

5. Lessons in Adaptability: Change is ever-present, and that means we have to adapt. If you hear any stories about overcoming challenges, especially in our fast-moving world, jot them down—they can offer inspiration and solutions for others in our MNT-EC / LinkedIn community.

Share with Us Post-Conference!

No matter what sessions, panels, or informal conversations you are part of, capture those ideas, insights, and inspiration we can use in the 2024-2025 school year. Please reach out to share what you’ve learned. Let’s work toward an authentic, more connected network of professionals advancing technological education. In plain language, let’s lift one another up!

Who Is Presenting from MNT-EC?

ATE PI 2024 Conference from MNT-EC Team and Partners

Here are a few shout-outs to our team and partners for sessions they are giving at ATE PI 2024. Keep us posted if you are also presenting and we’ll list you here.

Columbus State Community College will have a spotlight session on “Aligning Strategies to Support Advanced Technological Education Talent Demand” by Shane Kirby and Michell Ward from CSCC.

Date: Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern). Room: Diplomat

Shout out to Scot McLemore ǀ Executive in Residence at CSCC for sharing. Advanced Manufacturing Pathways at Columbus State Community College.

MNT-EC Co-PI, Dr. Peter Kazarinoff, Faculty, Engineering and Engineering Technology
at Portland Community College will present a Spotlight session on “J ATE URE: Getting Community College Students & Faculty Published.”

Date: Thursday, October 24 at 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. (Eastern). Room: Empire

You can read a bit more about how this presentation came about by reading Peter’s Letter from the Editor in Volume 3, Issue 2 of the Journal of Advanced Technological Education.

Spotlight Session organized by Erika Sturgis: Panel with Marci Gale, Mason Lefler, and Tiffany Calfant

Abstract: Explore strategies for streamlining data collection and management of student data within ATE projects in this panel discussion with representatives from three ATE projects. We’ll discuss how different projects prepare for multiple report types, including project annual reports, evaluation reports, and responding to the ATE Survey. Panelists will share methods they use to build and maintain their data collection infrastructure. Whether your project receives student data from an institutional research office or you track it yourself, everyone will find practical strategies to make reporting on students more effective.

***

ATE Connects Countdown session (new format)

Rick Vaughn presents Top 5 Strategies to Stay Nimble Amidst the Semiconductor Renaissance

Date: Thursday, October 24 at 4:15 – 4:25 p.m. (Eastern)

Room: Exhibit Hall

Rick Vaughn, Ph.D., Rio Salado College. Faculty Chair – STEM Initiatives

www.riosalado.edu/nanoknows

Spotlight Session: Strategies for Effective Nanotechnology and Microelectronics Education

Presenter(s)

Vishal Saravade (he/him/his) (Role: Presenter;Session Organizer)
Zachary R. Gray (Role: Presenter)
Billie Copley (Role: Presenter)
Nancy Louwagie (Role: Presenter)

Key Area of Session Focus: Curriculum & Educational Materials Development; Student Recruitment/Retention

Program Abstract: This session will include discussions and will answer thought-provoking questions in nanotechnology and microelectronics education. Proven and innovative strategies of outreach, student recruitment, hands-on education, remote education, content-delivery, professional development, and industry involvement will be discussed. PIs and Project Members from leading national nanotechnology, microelectronics, and remote-education centers will be the facilitators/panelists and presenters. Actions and ideas that have successfully enabled continuously improving education and workforce development in nanotechnology will be explained by the panelists.

Session: Building Global Partnerships: Advancing Quantum Workforce Education

Presenters: Mo Hasanovic, Jared Ashcroft, Grant Emmel

Date: Thursday, October 24; 3:10 – 3:40 p.m. (Eastern). Room: Cabinet

Spotlight session: How AI Is Predicted To Affect Multiple Disciplines

Presenters: Jared Ashcroft, Larry McWherter, Michele Robinson, and Antonio Delgado as panelists. Ann Beheler as facilitator.

Date: Thursday, October 24; 930 to 10:15 AM (Eastern). Room: Palladian.

Session: Undergraduate Research as a Recruitment and Retention Strategy Within ATE

Facilitators: Jared Ashcroft, PI, MNT-EC; Ani Hakobyan, Student, MNT-CURN; Jason Spyres, CEO and Founder, Training All People (TAP)

Program Abstract
Undergraduate research is a high impact practice in recruitment and retention of students in STEM. MNT-EC has been using undergraduate research through ATE-URE and START supplement proposals to increase the participation in MNT technician training. This session will share lessons learned from the past three years of the MNT-CURN and START programs and lead a discussion on the future of MNT-EC’s undergraduate research program. Attendees will be provided strategies in developing supplement proposals that focus on training technician through research and in developing student recruitment and evaluation strategies to increase industry support, effectiveness, and sustainability of the program.

Talking Technicians Podcast Season 4

Scroll through and pick one of the 10 episodes from Season 4 of the Talking Technicians Podcast. There’s so much to learn from these technicians as Dr. Peter Kazarinoff talks through their life experiences and journey. You can also jump to the full YouTube Playlist or to the MNT-EC Talking Technicians Podcast page.

In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Josh, a technician at Analog Devices in San Jose, California. Hear about Josh’s background, his experience working at Analog Devices, and the opportunities for growth and benefits in the industry. Josh shares his journey from starting in an automotive shop to working in the microelectronics industry, and how his education at a community college prepared him for his career. Josh emphasizes the importance of hands-on skills and communication in the field of electronics. The episode concludes with Josh’s advice for students and those looking to transition into a career as a technician.

Kendall, a technician at Indium, shares the experience working in the manufacturing industry and the journey to becoming a technician. Kendall discusses the role of Indium as a materials refiner and supplier to the electronics and semiconductor markets. Kendall describes daily tasks operating a rolling mill and the various alloys produced at Indium and also talks about the opportunities for professional growth, benefits, and work schedule at the company. Kendall highlights the importance of creativity and flexibility in the manufacturing industry and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career as a technician.

Jamel is a Technician at Tokyo Electron, also called TEL in Hillsboro, OR outside of Portland. Jamel was part of the Vet S.T.E.P. program that helps military service members transition into the civilian sector. Jamel talks about how the skills and practices he learned and used in the military can be transferred and employed as a technician in the semiconductor industry.

Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed in Marcy, NY. Alberto talks about how his work in the US Air Force and the Vet S.T.E.P. program prepared him to work as a technician in the semiconductor industry. Alberto highlights how some technical skills he learned in the military are transferable to the civilian sector. Hear about the benefits of becoming a semiconductor technician and how the Vet S.T.E.P. program works in this episode.

Stephen is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician (MET) at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Stephen discusses his journey from Minneapolis to working at Intel and shares insights into his day-to-day responsibilities involving the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. Stephen talks about shift schedules, salary ranges, professional growth opportunities, and the importance of communication and safety in his job. Stephen also shares advice for individuals considering a career transition into the semiconductor industry.

Lincoln is a technician working in the semiconductor industry. Lincoln was in the armed services, then went to community college and enrolled in an electrical engineering technology program. He now has experience working as a technician at two different semiconductor companies in the Portland, OR area. Hear about Lincoln’s experience in this episode of Talking Technicians

Ethan is a HPM technician at Intel in Hillsboro, OR outside Portland. HPM technicians at Intel support other technicians that work at Intel. Hear about how Ethan went from working in the hospitality industry to long-term career in the semiconductor industry. Ethan talks about his work, what it feels like working in a semiconductor factory (a fab), and how he balances his studies at community college with his work as a technician.

Laury is a Senior Control Engineer at Albireo Energy in Northern Virginia. Laury is passionate about her career. In this episode here about what working in a data center is like and how you can join this exciting career. At the end of the episode, listen to what Laury has to say about encouraging women to work in technical careers. Laury’s work is inspiring.

Janaki is a Equipment Engineering Technician at Analog Devices in Beaverton, OR outside Portland. Janaki had a career in small business, but needed to make a change. Hear how Janaki transitioned to working in the semiconductor industry by enrolling in Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Program.

Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments at the Richardson Gratings Lab in Rochester, NY. Michelle started out working as an operator, then gained additional skills by enrolling in a vacuum technician certificate program at Normandale Community College. Hear Michelle’s story about how she took her career to the next level.

Full List as only links, no YouTube image, but takes you to the same place. 🙂

S04 E01 Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments

S04 E02 Janaki is a Equipment Engineering Technician at Analog Devices

S04 E03 Laury is a Senior Control Engineer at Albireo Energy

S04-E04 Ethan is a technician that supports other technicians at Intel

S04-E05 Lincoln is a technician in the semiconductor industry

S04-E06 Stephen is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Intel | Talking Technicians Podcast

S04 E07 Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed

S04 E08 Jamel is a Technician at TEL

S04-E09 Kendall is a Technician at Indium

S04-E10 Josh is a Technician at Analog Devices

Center Manager Notes — Partner Spotlight: Dr. Antar Tichavakunda

Antar Tichavakunda, LinkedIn Profile

University of Southern California; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Urban Education Policy
George Mason University; Master’s degree, Education
Brown University; Bachelor’s degree, Education Studies/Policy

Location: California, United States

In this month’s “Spotlight,” we focus on Dr. Antar Tichavakunda, a scholar whose work at the intersection of race and higher education has been vital in advancing the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) mission. As an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Antar brings a deep commitment to educational equity, particularly in supporting Black students in STEM fields.

Antar came into MNT-EC at the start of the MNT-CURN program in 2021. I have had the pleasure of working with him for the past three years. One of the things that stands out to me about Antar is that he really listens to understand. This is so important in today’s world, especially when you are dealing with students. He really makes you feel like what you have to say is important (and it is!). I really value this quality in the people I work with.

EDITOR’S NOTE: MNT-CURN “v2” is found under a new program, temporarily hosted here: AT³, the 8-month Advanced Technology Technician Training program.

Can you share your background and the pioneering work you’ve done in your field?

“I started off as an English teacher in DC and then pursued my doctoral degree at the University of Southern California for education. Much of my work looks at the intersection of race and higher education. I hesitate to call anything I’ve done pioneering, but I am proud to have contributed to research on Black students’ experiences in higher education!”

“My book, Black Campus Life (SUNY Press page with print and digital options), is a bit novel in that it might be the first ethnography about engineering students and one of the few ethnographies about college students out there. I got to hang out with Black engineering students for a year and wrote about it. It was one of my most memorable research experiences.”

Black Campus Life book by Antar Tichavakunda

An in-depth ethnography of Black engineering students at a historically White institution, Black Campus Life examines the intersection of two crises, up close: the limited number of college graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and the state of race relations in higher education…. Most fundamentally, Black Campus Life argues that Black collegians are more than the racism they endure. By studying and appreciating the everyday richness and complexity of their experiences, we all—faculty, administrators, parents, policymakers, and the broader public—might learn how to better support them. —SUNY Press

NOTE: Book cover is linked to the Open Access download page.

Can you describe the key initiatives or projects you’ve led at MNT-EC?

“I’ve had the privilege of holding focus groups with students in MNT-CURN to get a more qualitative understanding about their experiences. I’ve also worked with Dr. Jalil Bishop (who is also a part of the MNT-EC team and you can read about his work here) to think of different ways MNT-EC can bolster strategic partnerships with other groups doing similar work.”

Antar’s work in leading focus groups has been instrumental in understanding how students navigate their identities within the context of STEM education. These insights are crucial for MNT-EC’s ongoing efforts to enhance student experiences. Additionally, his collaborative efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships have expanded MNT-EC’s reach, particularly in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

What are some of the challenges and successes you’ve experienced in promoting DEI within MNT-EC, and how have these shaped the center’s overall mission and impact?

“One of the biggest successes is that pretty much across the board, students feel included. They tell us that they can tell MNT-CURN values diversity, and they see the intentionality behind having a diverse representation of presenters. This is a big win.”

“The biggest challenge is related to this success. Students feel included and have positive experiences, but they don’t necessarily report having discussions about identity outside of their STEM identities. Obviously, this program is geared towards success in micro-nanotechnology and ensuring students get those competencies and awareness about the field. I wonder how, if at all, MNT-CURN can create spaces to meaningfully reflect on their identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) in relation to their STEM identity and see their identities as an asset to bring to their work and not something to mute.”

From my perspective as Center Manager, Antar’s reflections on the challenges and successes of promoting DEI within MNT-EC highlight his commitment to ensuring that all students feel included and valued. His insights into how the center can further engage students in discussions about their identities beyond their STEM roles are vital to MNT-EC’s mission of fostering a diverse and thriving community.

What do you love best about your work?

“Honestly, I really just enjoy talking with and learning from students and their experiences. The knowledge they bring from their lives can really shape educational spaces for the better.”

Dr. Antar Tichavakunda’s dedication to learning from and supporting students is evident in every aspect of his work. Through his research, teaching, and contributions to MNT-EC, he is helping to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments.

For more insights into Antar’s work, you can explore his book Black Campus Life, available in both print and open access versions in the links above, or visit his LinkedIn profile at the top of the page.

Want to talk more about Nano? Get in touch with me. Are you in industry and want to get involved, please get in touch at my email below.

Thanks,

Billie